Parkinson’s Research Update: Marching Upward and Onward

Parkinson’s is a complex disorder. While there are many unknowns surrounding the disease, current research is aiming to understand disease mechanisms better and translate that into new treatments. Dr. Joohi Jiminez-Shahed of Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX discusses the state of Parkinson’s research and what that means for future treatments. She explains the importance of biomarkers in research, as well as their role in identifying Parkinson’s in the earlier stages of disease progression. She also shares an overview of treatments for the disease that do not necessarily involve dopamine. By modulating the dopamine system using different chemicals, complications from current Parkinson’s treatments may be minimized. Additionally, Dr. Jiminez-Shahed explains the efficacy of up-and-coming drugs for Parkinson’s treatment, many of which have promising results in clinical and animal trials.